Everything You Need to Know About Dogs!

10/12/2009

Do Probiotics work? part 2

Diarrhea
can be caused by parasites or from viral and bacterial infections

Seven
high quality (human) studies support the use of probiotics

The
effects of probiotics are short lived; give them throughout antibiotic use

Probiotic
products vary widely in dose and quality

Recommended
doses of 5 billion colony forming units-CFU-per day for children and 10
billion CFU for adults (human doses)

Most
probiotics fall into two categories: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

Probiotics
come in different genera, species and strains of the same species

Probiotics
are dose specific—different probiotics are effective at different levels.

In a study of acute diarrhea in children a number of
products composed of different probiotics showed that only Lactobacillus
rhamnosius GG effectively reduced the duration of the diarrhea.

Probiotics considered safe are:

Lactobacillus

Bifidobacterium

Saccharomyces

Streptococcus thermophilus

If you decide to use probiotics with a diseased or immuno
compromised animal consult a veterinarian beforehand. Some human studies have shown
adverse effects of probiotics on certain diseases and immuno compromised
humans. However, it indirectly affects the immune system, if not directly, because as Purina’s website states; the GI system contains 70% of the immune system.

Articles about probiotics recommend that if manufactures make
claims about their probiotics there should be studies/research to support these
claims. But in searching the internet, I found it somewhat daunting to access
the research.

When you shop for a probiotics read the label! it should:

-disclose genus, species and strain (this info should help
relate back to research that documents the effects)

-list number of live organisms in each dose

-list an expiration date

-levels are typically called CFU’s

-include storage information and contact info

Unlike earlier probiotics on the market, not all probiotics must be refrigerated now. New technology
makes it possible to store them at room temperature according to label instructions. Dried and stored properly,
probiotics will activate when inside the moist intestinal system.

I have heard from some that one particular brand really
worked while another person said they were getting no results. So it sounds
like if one doesn’t work, try another, because one does not have a positive
effect does not mean another will not. The function of a probiotics can be strain specific.

A google search came up with dozens and dozens of probiotics
for dogs.

A few brands I’m familiar with…

Purina FortifloraIt is Enteroccus faecium and claims to
promote intestinal health. Purina says it's sold exclusively through
veterinarians, but it is also listed on Amazon.com for a cheaper price.

Culturelle is an over the counter probiotic also recommended
by vets. It is Lactobacillus GGwww.culturelle.com

I use a CVS brand I use as a supplement in their evening meal that seems to have a beneficial effect and
is cheaper than the two listed above. I see lots of brands sold at the dog
shows, too. Do you use something? Would you share your results and brand?